#MFW - February 26th Review

Dolce & Gabbana:

D&G’s collection is the epitome of majestic royalty envisioned. It’s a step back into the past, but so fashionable and timely for the season. The gold embroidery is super regal and so beautiful against the dark black. This all just feel very rich. I love the blacks and whites mixed with gold and touches of metallic. There’s structure and flow and sheers. The addition of floral prints and lace also add something extra to the collection, which is mostly lacking any color and adds a delicate touch. I appreciate this collection most because it keeps some trends that many designers are doing today, but still feels uniquely there’s and can create a whole new direction for designers. Rich!

Marni:

Marni’s collection is super linear, with bold solids and beautifully matched colors that can look good on so many shapes. The collection is warm with many boxy coats, colored furs, and separates. It starts out with mostly solids, but quickly moves to the addition of prints. It’s very chic, rich, and just enough color to get us through the season! Flattery linearity!

Trussardi:

Trussardi’s collection is a stunning menswear for womenswear inspired display with entirely polished and beautiful looks. The color progression is great, as it moves from grays, to orange and reds, to light greens, then bold blacks. It’s super chic and mixes traditional menswear ideas with little touches of femininity. I love the strong and bold approach to this inspiration, and the super manly way they went about it, but it’s still pretty. Masculine femininity!

Honorable Mentions:

Missoni – Hodge podge of textiles and cool and interesting looks!

Salvatore Ferragamo – Exceptionally strong with a delicate and regal touch!

Versus – Beautiful color progression and cute with mixed with strong looks!

#MFW - February 25th Review

Bottega Veneta:

Bottega Veneta starts their collection with polished, strong, and dark looks. They then move into a mixture of beautifully bold and bright prints, but maintain that polished appeal. It progresses from daywear to nightwear, giving something for all hours of the day. It’s exceptionally stunning, and there is a great mixture of textiles, which has become so common this season. Simply polished!

Genny:

Genny’s collection begins with bold reds floating down the runway. There is a true playing of many textiles; especially light sheers. By pairing soft sheer and strong jackets, it keeps the collection very strong, yet keeping a nice balance. The pale tans mixed with burnt reds is so stunning! The collection mostly has solids mixed with light sheers, but as it progresses, it moves to more floaty demure patterns. Delicate yet strong!

Massimo Rebecchi:

The warmth in this collection can be felt just by looking at the pictures! The color palate begins with many grays, but then moves into a pretty autumn leaf palate. It also moves from layered looks to more signature and bold pieces. There is almost a 60s mod feel mixed with some 70s burnt color appeal; taking the best of both worlds! A true portrait of fall!

Honorable Mentions:

Emporio Armani – Wonderfully commercial, plenty of interesting looks, and something for everyone!

Mila Schon – A mix of a beautiful solid palate with interesting color blocking makes this collection worth a look!

Silvio Betterelli – A stunning progression of color and pretty polished clothes!

[All images courtesy of FASHIONISING]

Parade Day Project Proposal

It's really weird to be doing another one of these posts; I haven't in way too long! It brings me back!

So, it's almost time for my favorite day of the year: Parade Day in Scranton! I kind of made it a tradition to make something to wear for the past two years, so I might as well carry it on!

This year is a little different, however, because I won't be making the garment for myself! I decided to be the best person ever and make it for Jack! Here is the quick sketch I surprise him with :

(Yes, it is on the fridge..)

I'm really into playing with stripes lately, so I decided that was where I wanted to go with it.

Unlike any of my other designs, I wanted to try to make patterns. So, using my textbook for class, I was able to draft basic fronts and backs given Jack's measurements.

From there, I had to figure out how to cut each piece just right so it will all match to the middle. There is a center seam on both the front and back and a seam going just above the waist so I could create this pattern with a simple striped fabric. I found cutting each piece one at a time, and then using it to get the right match up on each side of the next piece was the best way to go.

The fabric isn't as bright of a green as I thought it might be, so it really kind of reminds me of the Knights of the Roundtable, but whatever, I'm going with it! Fabric.com also disappointed me because I ordered a solid green for the sleeves and they somehow sold it out (even though I already ordered it.. WTF.) So, I had to try and find some here; and I failed. Instead, I'm using a light gray for the sleeves and hood.

I have the sleeve pattern drafted and the body all sewn up. It came out fairly well, I'm pretty proud! Just need to cut my sleeves out, sew and install them and then tackle the hood (which I've never sewn ever.) But how hard could that be?

I'm glad I have no time for life, yet I'm spending all of my time doing this.

I'm hoping to finish it today or tomorrow because I start working on 3rd shift tomorrow night. Can't wait, ugh! My blog will probably be ignored during that time, but I'll try to maintain it. I've really enjoyed getting back on here!

I'll let you know how it comes out ASAP!!! And you let me know what you think!

#MFW - February 24th Review

I continue to be impressed with the designers who are showing at Milan Fashion Week! Just great talent; such tailoring; such editing; everything seems to work with these shows!

Jasper Garvida:

Garvida’s collection gives off an interesting mix mash of inspiration. On one hand, I get an African vibe, on the other, I get a strong military influence. There are beautiful blocking methods with patterns and solids, and plenty of added panels to add interest to mostly simple silhouettes. He mixes tight dresses with those that flow. The collection seems to move from strong daywear, to glamorous nightwear with an edge. This is what I love about modern fashion; there can be so many influences, and that’s what can make it uniquely your own. Inspired and chic!

Just Cavalli:

It wouldn’t be a good day at #MFW without including a great pattern mixer! This collection is very bold and mixes tons of prints; animals, florals, geometrics. My favorite pieces from this collection are the bold tailored ones that use great lines. As the show progresses, it moves into more solids combining knits and leathers. It seems to lack a bit of direction in the middle, but it comes together in the end and the pieces do maintain the tailored quality that pulls all of the looks together. There are so many awesome pants in this collection too! [I enjoyed the menswear mixed in, too, but I’ll comment on that at a later date!] Pretty patterns and solid solids!

Moschino:

Moschino’s collection is super graphic and super cool. I love pairing black and white with a bold red or blue. They have great style lines and really good color blocking techniques. The inspiration feels like a Spanish cowboy with a feminine sensibility. Even the solid pieces are great; very tailored and fairly interesting. The silhouettes may be a little familiar, but the details bring it somewhere new and fun. There’s plenty of daywear mixed with cute dresses. I like that they even were able to include some prints that work well with this mostly graphic/geometric collection. There are plenty of textiles mixed in; faux furs, knits, leather, cottons, silks. Graphically cool!

Honorable Mentions:

Etro – Perfect color palate, a lot going on with each look without looking a mess! Really solid collection!

Gabriele Colangelo – Really pretty with some tight hugging mixed with boxy cuts and interesting, yet simple, silhouettes!

Marco De Vincenzo – Clean, polished, great inlays with beautiful neutrals!

Versace – Interesting gothic notes, strong looks, blacks with pops of orange and yellow!

Let me know what your favorites are!

[All images courtesy of FASHIONISING]

#MFW - February 23rd Review

Why does Milan Fashion Week have to be so successful? It's so hard to choose my favorites because all of the designers are really turning it out! So, these truly have to be the best of the best!

Krizia:

Krizia has a masterful sense of structure while adding interesting features. By popping rounded shoulders on slinky dresses, it makes a new interesting silhouette in a very subtle manner. It’s elegant with edge, and playful yet cool. There is a beautiful golden haze palette with a variety of tight dresses to opening pants. It’s super commercial while still having runway appeal. It’s good to see some denim on the runway and a variety of interesting textiles. By pairing the looks with great accessories, it really allows the customer to see how they can easily wear these looks in their everyday lives. Commercially cool!

Max Mara:

This collection is insanely cool, chic, polished, and a great reference to menswear for womenswear. A neutral palate allows you to focus on the polished clothing, and the monochromatic stripes add something different. The strong military greens and blacks paired with white give it a more delicate feel. The polished looks make it easy to see the interesting details like leather trims. And all though I hate the silver heels used, these looks are so strong from head to ankle! The touches like a strong coat paired with dainty shorts make it a really interesting combination of the best of both gender’s apparel. Menswear inspired strength!

Prada:

Prada opens with strong black looks followed by strong 60s/70s inspired geometric prints, but all maintain an elegance, grace, and strength! Many of the garments have beautiful and large beadwork, which could go matronly, but still maintains a fashionable appeal. Bold head to toe prints paired with mostly dark looks keeps us on a roller coaster ride; a good one! Daring sensibility!

Honorable Mentions:

Blugirl – Bold red and blues and subtler pastels; super colorful then turns monochromatic, cute and fun!

Ermanno Scervino – Interesting military feel with a womanly touch; strong but elegant and feminine!

Luisa Beccaria – Beautiful prairie girls; stunning golden blue palate; elegant!

[All images courtesy of FASHIONISING]

#IFB : Links A La Mode : February 23rd

I'm so happy that Independent Fashion Bloggers group decided to include my menswear post in their weekly round up this week! Check out the other great posts below!:

THE IFB WEEKLY ROUNDUP: LINKS À LA MODE: FEBRUARY 23RD

• Anthony Carmen: #NYFW - Menswear Trends We Need in AW12


• Do You Speak Gossip: How To: A Matte Manicure With Shiny Tips


• Endear: Overheard at New York Fashion Week


• Lady Of Fashion: DIY Boot Strapping


• Lure Of The Dark Side: Adele


• My Fashion Wishlist: New Fashion Sweetheart - Lana Del Rey


• My Haute Habit: Floral Fancies


• Paper + Cloth: An Ode To The Little Black Dress


• Pattern Rebellion: Feed Your Jewelry Addition With Melody's Pieces


• Sequined Sprinkles: Friday Favorites: Black & White Edition


• Sidewalk Chic: Reality vs. Creativity in Fashion Blogging


• Simply Frabulous: The Mystery Has Been Revealed: Marni For H&M, The Looks


• SoCal Sophisticate: Trend-y Tuesday - She's a Lady


• Style Delights: Trend To Try - Neon Bags (And How To Wear Them)


• Sucker For Sequins: Sequins + Stripes


• Sugar and Chiffon: Red Pencil Skirt + Leopard Belt, 3 Ways


• Sugar and Spice: How To Wear The Print Trend For SS12


• The Classic Woman: Style & Grace - Jackie Kennedy


• The Love Hanger: DIY Peplum Top


• Woodstock Wardrobe: Fashion Week AW12 - Retro Silhouettes in a Modern Context

SPONSOR:

Dresses at Shopbop: Milly, Kalmanovich, Joie dresses, James Perse, ISSA, Thakoon Addition, Minkoff, Tibi, Black Halo, Nation LTD, Ohne Titel, Chalayan & Velvet Dresses

#MFW - February 22nd Review

As the fashion shows continue, Milan is the next stop! I am completely impressed with what was offered on the first day of shows at #MFW. I had such a hard time choosing my favorites because they were all so golden! They all speak to my favorite things in clothing!

Angelo Marani:

Marani is a master at mixing! Clashing patterns done well, and mixing textiles done even better! Who would think that leopard print with fur trim could go with a floral pattern? It’s interesting! I love the abstract but demure prints mixed with bold pops of color blocking. I also like that he pairs structured pieces with some disheveled-ness. Makes you think how you can work your own clothing in an interesting way! Mix it up!

Gucci:

Gucci’s collection was dark and mysterious. There were structured and polished separates that were made in interesting textiles; and some flowing dresses made in patterns with dark pops of color. Menswear essentials mixed with several historical influences; colonial and deep 70s colors. There is tons of playing with sheers, showing off the body while still being tasteful. View the entire collection, the details are so beautiful and each piece is quite special. (Plus, I love seeing models without eyebrows!) Gorgeous display!

Kristina Ti:

Ti puts her own spin on the ideals from above. She knows how to mix textiles and patterns, but she does it in her own way. There are beautiful luxury knits paired with strong fur and leather, but with a delicate palate that really works. She also adds some lightweights for good variety. She keeps a playful with some sheers and some patchwork. Wait, did she just use garland? Perhaps, but it works! As the collection continues, it grows dark and classic, but still maintains a delicateness and interesting sensibility that makes these pieces uniquely hers! Understated glamour!

Honorable Mentions:

Francesco Scognamiglio – Structured, tailored, simple with an edge, menswear for womenswear

No. 21 – Pretty clothes made in a pretty palate; I’m so into dark greens and reds right now!

Sergio Zambon – Great straight design with interesting patterns, cut outs, and colors! I’m feeling the 60s.

I’ve got some catching up to do, so expect another post a little later today!

[All images courtesy of FASHIONISING]